Why you can’t ignore your lawn in October: 7 tasks to complete this month

(Image credit: Shutterstock) As soon as October begins, you may think you can relax and forget about your grass, but lawn experts say it’s the worst time to be complacent.Instead, as we move into fall, October is a key time in the lawn care calendar, and it all comes down to encouraging a strong root system for healthy growth next year.It's all about the roots (Image credit: Shutterstock)“For cool-season grasses, the soil is still holding onto some summer warmth, but the air is crisp and cool. That combo is the sweet spot,” says Zack Nienaber at Nienaber And Sons Lawn Care. “The grass stops pushing all its energy into top growth and starts sending it straight down into the roots, which is exactly how it builds the resilience it needs to survive the winter.”Allison Koenig, lawn and garden expert at Tractor Supply, agrees that it’s an important time for root growth to ensure the lawn bounces back quickly in the spring. “If you skip the fall lawn care work, you’re asking a weaker lawn to survive winter stress and then somehow come back lush and green in the spring,” she says.To get your lawn ready to survive winter, here are 7 tasks lawn care experts recommend this month.7 lawncare tasks for October1. Clear the leaves (Image credit: Shutterstock)Get to work clearing leaves, as fallen leaves, twigs and other debris will block sunlight, trap moisture and invite fungus, leading to snow mold and brown patches.Piles of damp leaves and debris can also attract unwanted pests, including insects and rodents, that can damage your yard. Uncleared debris can also block drains and prevent proper runoff, leading to waterlogging.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.If you have a large expanse of lawn and a normal leaf rake isn’t up to the job, you could try a leaf blower.2. Lower the mower height (Image credit: Shutterstock)It’s not time to stop mowing your lawn yet, but you can start lowering your mower blades. Nienaber recommends lowering the blades gradually during the month rather than making one big adjustment.So why is it a good time to give your lawn a shorter cut? “If you leave it too long, it mats down under frost and rots,” he says, though he warns against mowing it too short, as it can stress the crown.The sweet spot for cool-season turf is around 2.5 to 3 inches.3. Check the soil (Image credit: Shutterstock)It’s a good time to check the soil to see if it’s compacted. If so, Koenig explains it can impact how well air, water and nutrients reach the roots. The solution is to aerate your lawn.As well as increasing air circulation, loosening the soil can help drainage and prevent a waterlogged lawn, which is likely in fall if the rains are heavy.Nienaber also advises checking the lawn to see if water is pooling. It could be a sign that the soil is waterlogged, which can lead to root rot.4. Keep watering (Image credit: Shutterstock)“Don’t stop watering just because the weather feels cooler,” says Nienaber, “Unless the ground is literally frozen, lawns still need about an inch of water a week.”Then, once the ground does start to freeze, Koenig advises draining any sprinklers or hoses and storing them before the first frost catches you off guard.5. Overseed bare patches (Image credit: Shutterstock)“Fall is the perfect time to fertilize and repair thin or bare patches with new seed,” says Koenig, as even a well-maintained lawn can become patchy over time from weather stress and foot trafficOverseeding your lawn will help revitalize its appearance and fill in the sparse patches.6. Give your lawn a feed (Image credit: Shutterstock)While you’re overseeding your lawn, Koenig also recommends feeding it.“Applying fertilizer while the lawn is still actively growing helps strengthen the root system, improve winter hardiness, and encourage healthier growth once spring arrives,” she adds.Just be sure to follow product recommendations and apply the fertilizer before the ground freezes.7. Watch your step (Image credit: Shutterstock)Once the frost visits us in the morning, Nienaber recommends staying off your lawn. “If you walk across frozen grass blades, they literally snap clean off, and you’ll be stuck staring at brown footprints for weeks until the turf can recover.”When the grass goes into dormancy, it can’t repair itself, and broken blades can let in fungi and bacteria. So, if you need to walk on your grass, wait until later in the day, after the frost melts. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. More from Tom's Guide5 things you need to know before buying a leaf blowerHow to aerate a lawn and when to do itStop mowing your lawn this way — an expert says you could be killing your grass Camilla is the Homes Staff Writer and covers everything to do with homes and gardens. She has a wealth of editorial experience, mounting over 30 years, and covers news and features, tests products for reviews and compiles buying guides. Her work has appeared in business and consumer titles, including Ideal Home, Real Homes, House Beautiful, Homebuilding & Renovation, and Kitchen & Bathroom Business. She’s even appeared on the cover of Your Home, writing about her own house renovation. Although she’s obsessed with decorating her home, she also enjoys baking and trying out the latest kitchen appliances. 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